July 2008

July 31, 2008

Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones didn't sound too surprised about quarterback Quincy Carter getting a tryout with the Dolphins. He thinks Bill Parcells, like his dad, believes in second chances. But how many is this for Quincy?

"Bill liked him," Stephen Jones said. "He thought a lot of Quincy before all that happened. He was as disappointed as we were. I think Bill has given those guys second opportunities again if he feels like they are headed in the right direction. Obviously, he has talked to him and done his homework on him and going to make a decision based on that."

Offensive player of the day: RB Marion Barber. Who hits like this. Had a few nice inside runs during teams drills but The Hit of camp on Tyson Smith gives him the honor today. Smith is 25 pounds heavier than Barber.

Defensive player of the day: LB Kevin Burnett. He says all he does is makes plays. He hasn't made a lot during his tenure but he is in camp. Reacting as quick as he reads.

Observations....

* Is this IHOP?: DE or NT Jay Ratliff gave RT Marc Colombo a nice little pancake during one-on-one passing drills. Ratliff apparently having a hard adjustment to the outside.

* Wall of Davis: RG Leonard Davis has been unbeatable since Jason Hatcher whipped him earlier in camp. Bigg is back.

* Felix vs. Zach: During one-on-one blocking pass rush drills Felix Jones came back after being beaten by Zach Thomas to put the veteran on the ground the next time they matched up.

* Rap group in da house: Three 6 Mafia attended practice and did a sitdown interview with T.O. on the field after practice. It is supposed to be air on Fox Sports on Aug. 8.

* Red zone recap: Terrell Owens beat Anthony Henry for a short TD. ... FB Deon Anderson busted a short TD run and wanted to celebrate. ... Anthony Spencer took Ware's reps with the first team. ... S Courtney Brown had another interception on a tipped pass off WR Mike Jefferson's hands. ... Flozell Adams blocked OLB Erik Walden like he was nothing pushing him so far out of one play he was nearly on the side where the players watch. ... CB Evan Oglesby with a breakup against Sam Hurd. ... Dropped pass by Miles Austin on a crossing route thrown a little behind him. ... RB Alonzo Coleman with a juke on CB Anthony Henry to get by him.

During one-on-one blocking drills RB Marion Barber just delivered the most violent hit of training camp. He blasted linebacker Tyson Smith and knocked him completely on his back to the roar of the crowd. Barber took his turn and walked away. Smith couldn't get up and the play ended the drill.

Smith was knocked silly and rested on one knee with the trainers on the field.

Other notable standouts in the blocking drill between linebackers and running backs: Zach Thomas, Bradie James, Greg Ellis and for the running backs it was Felix Jones and Deon Anderson doing pretty well.

Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware is not practicing this afternoon but is on the field stretching in T-shirt and shorts. Apparently the little ding he took to the head yesterday was more serious and he is out for precaution. Ware is not wearing pads or a helmet but is running through the light individual position drills.